Brevard Zoo Cold-Blooded Weekend Set For Aug. 31

learn about the Hingeback Tortoise

ABOVE VIDEO: Hingeback tortoises have a special “hinge” at the back of their upper shell, or carapace, which gives them a way to “shut the back door” and protect their hind legs and tail when under attack.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — One big difference is that tortoises have elephant feet for walking and turtles have webbed and clawed feet for swimming and climbing on logs.

Other differences include the types of food they eat and where they can be found.

Harvey is an African Hingeback Tortoise.

Hingeback tortoises have a special “hinge” at the back of their upper shell, or carapace, which gives them a way to “shut the back door” and protect their hind legs and tail when under attack.

Tortoises are different from turtles in that they have higher domed carapaces where turtles tend to be more streamlined for swimming.

You can learn all about Harvey and more Creatures Big and Small during Cold-Blooded Weekend Aug. 31 to Sept. 2.

You can learn all about Harvey and more Creatures Big and Small during Cold-Blooded Weekend Aug. 31 to Sept. 2.

There will be education talks throughout the weekend in the lodge, special exhibits, animal encounters, kid’s activities and bug tastings. Activities run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.